MNZM, MBA

For over 25 years, Reweti Ropiha has led Turanga Health as the Chief Executive, transforming it from a small health provider into a regional powerhouse serving over 3,000 whānau across Tairāwhiti. His vision has always been clear: to take healthcare to the people, rather than waiting for the people to come to healthcare.

Under his leadership, Turanga Health has pioneered a kaupapa Māori approach, ensuring holistic, whānau-centred, and culturally responsive health services that empower Māori communities. His commitment to kanohi ki te kanohi healthcare has redefined service delivery, bringing essential health services into homes, workplaces, and marae.

Under Reweti’s leadership, Turanga Health continues to break barriers and set new standards in Māori health service delivery:

• Kaumātua programmes – Ensuring pākeke can age in their homes with dignity and community support.
• Workplace wellness initiatives – Over 20 tailored programmes focusing on mental health, smoking cessation, and chronic disease prevention.
• Mobile healthcare services – Expanding access through marae-based and home-delivered care.
• General practice in Te Karaka – Serving over 1,800 enrolled patients with a dedicated primary care team
• COVID-19 leadership – Championing Māori-led vaccination strategies, reaching whānau through mass events and face-to-face engagement.

His forward-thinking leadership continues to reshape Māori health equity, ensuring whānau across generations thrive.

Reweti holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Waikato (2011) and degrees in Politics and Business. His expertise extends beyond health service delivery, with governance roles in:

• Te Rūnanga o Turanganui A Kiwa
• Ngāi Tāmanuhiri Whānui Trust
• Turanganui Primary Health Organisation
• C Company Memorial House
• Sunrise Foundation
• Mātai Medical Research Institute
• Te Muriwai Marae
• Midlands Health Network

His leadership ensures that Māori voices drive policy development, research, and community-led health initiatives.  Reweti is a pioneer in Māori health research, leading numerous studies with the Health Research Council, including:

• Taunakitanga Takitini (2023): Reframing self-management support for Māori health.
• Food Security & Sovereignty (2020): Measuring the impact of Turanga Health’s initiatives in strengthening food access for whānau.
• Wearable Sensors & Vitality Monitoring (2024): Exploring how technology can enhance whānau health outcomes.
• Health Research Council: Measuring the impact and social value of Turanga Health's services (2021)

His research-driven approach ensures Māori methodologies remain at the heart of evidence-based health solutions.  

In 2023, Reweti was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), recognising his unwavering dedication to Māori health. His impact on whānau wellbeing has also been celebrated with:

• Gisborne District Council Civic Award
• Kiwibank Local Hero Medal Te Ao News article 9 December 2022

'More than ever Tūranga Health continues to unlock responsive approaches to whānau demand, whereby staff can continue to provide real time care in the communities and homes of whānau.”

These honours reflect his relentless commitment to ensuring health equity for Māori communities.  Reweti’s impact extends beyond health. His governance, research, and community-first approach ensure that Māori health services evolve with the needs of whānau.  Through kaupapa Māori health strategies, innovative research, and relentless advocacy, Reweti Ropiha continues to lead the way in transforming Māori health for future generations.

Links:

New Zealand Hearld: Turanga Health service used by over half Gisborne’s tamariki under 5, 20 November 2024

Gisborne Herald: Turanga Health chief executive Reweti Ropiha honoured for services to Māori health, 27 May 2023

Immunisation Advisory Centre: He waka eke noa - We’re all in this together, 16 June 2021

Mātai Medical Research Institute: Reweti Ropiha: Overcoming COVID-19 (Youtube) 5 December 2023

Māori Health Authority launch: CEO 'planning for big transformation' 1 July 2022 Radio NZ article